Tech Talent Charter
We’ve signed up to the Tech Talent Charter!
Butterfly Data proudly announces its commitment to the Tech Talent Charter (TTC), an initiative aimed at fostering greater diversity within the technology sector. By joining the TTC, we are taking a proactive stance towards enhancing the representation of diverse talent within our tech workforce.
The need for such initiatives is underscored by concerning statistics that highlight the current disparities within the industry:
According to Tech Nation, 19% of tech workers in the UK are women, and only one in ten women are pursuing A-Level computer studies, as reported by WISE.
Ethnic minorities are also underrepresented, with just 18% of IT specialists in the UK hailing from these backgrounds. Furthermore, a mere 11% of IT directors come from ethnic minority backgrounds, as reported by the British Computer Society (BCS).
Similarly, individuals with disabilities are significantly underrepresented, constituting only 10% of IT specialists in the UK, despite comprising 20% of the working population, as per the BCS.
Statistics sourced from www.techtalent.co.uk
These statistics paint a stark picture of the lack of inclusivity within the tech industry, especially considering the estimated 870,000 vacancies in digital and tech roles in the UK. This underutilisation of talent not only hampers individual advancement but also incurs a substantial economic cost, estimated at £63 billion annually.
As a growing small business with a current staff of 28 members, Butterfly Data takes pride in the diversity of our team. However, we recognise the importance of continuous efforts to promote inclusivity and ensure that all voices are heard and valued within our organisation and the broader tech community. By aligning ourselves with the Tech Talent Charter, we are reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, not just as a moral imperative but as a strategic advantage for innovation and growth.
It is vital that this approach is adopted from all levels of the industry, and Sara, a Butterfly director, embodies this mentality as she says:
"As a growing company we have a vested interest in making sure there are enough data scientists and data quality professionals from all backgrounds to tackle the challenges the industry faces. We are excited to be part of the solution, by training and mentoring, providing role-models for women in tech and work placements for students and people transitioning from military careers."
What is the Tech Talent Charter?
The Tech Talent Charter (TTC) is a government-supported, industry-led membership group that brings together 700+ Signatory organisations and equips them with the networks and resources to drive their diversity and inclusion efforts. The TTC’s broad base of Signatories includes companies and industries of all sizes, non-profit organisations, charities, leading UK educators, and government departments.
Created in 2015 to address the UK’s tech talent shortage and diversity problem through collective action, the TTC’s goal is for the UK tech ecosystem to be a diverse and inclusive community where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued for their contributions. The TTC works towards this goal by providing concrete measurement and insights into diversity in the tech ecosystem and actionable ways forward by gathering, curating, and distributing innovative practices, techniques, and ideas.
TTC CEO Debbie Forster, MBE said:
''The importance of greater diversity and inclusion in tech is, thankfully, no longer up for debate. Sectors and organisations now need to work together to shift the dial – and this will happen faster if we pool our successes, failures, and key learnings to bring about real structural change. No group can do it alone, which is why we’re asking organisations to join our 700+ Signatories who are working together to drive diversity and inclusion in tech.”
Further information can be found at: @tech_talent_charter